Mosques in Germany under police surveillance: Self-proclaimed imams call for jihad

Around 90 mosques in Germany are currently under surveillance by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, reports the news agency Patria.

"We are currently monitoring activities in around 90 Islamic communities in Germany, where mostly people of Arab origin gather," said the head of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Hans-Georg Maassen, for the public broadcaster ARD.

"These mosques are mainly so-called backyard mosques where self-proclaimed imams and emirs operate independently, calling for jihad with their inflammatory speeches," Maassen said. 

The head of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, however, emphasized that Muslims in general are not under surveillance in Germany, but only a smaller, more aggressive part.

"It would be a big mistake to equate religious extremists with Muslims," Maassen said.

On Monday, a conference of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution will be held in Berlin, where the danger from jihadists in Germany will be discussed, reports Index.